Evacuation

If the authorities order an evacuation, leave. Waiting to see what happens puts you and the people who will come to help you at risk. A packed bag and a plan you have talked through make leaving much easier.

When you hear the order

1. Listen carefully to where you should go, which routes to use and how much time you have.
2. Take your go-bag. If you have more time, add the items from the what to add yourself list.
3. Dress in sturdy shoes and layers, with a waterproof jacket, even if the weather is fine.
4. Pack medication for at least a week, glasses and chargers.
5. Take pets in a carrier or on a lead, with food and water.
6. Message your out-of-town contact: where you are going and who is with you.

Before you lock the door

If there is time and it is safe:

1. Turn off gas, water and electricity at the main valves and switches, if the authorities tell you to.
2. Close windows and lock doors.
3. Empty the fridge of anything that will spoil, or leave it if you must go now.
4. Leave a note on the inside of the door saying when you left and where you are going, if this is safe to share.

Do not go back for belongings once you are out.

What to take

Keep it light enough to carry for several hours.

• Documents in a waterproof bag: IDs, passports, birth certificates, insurance, property papers, medical records. Paper copies plus photos on your phone.
• Cash in small notes.
• Water and a water filter.
• Food rations for three days.
• A first aid kit and your personal medication.
• Phone, power bank and cables.
• A paper map and a compass. Phone maps may not work.
• A list of important phone numbers on paper.

On the way

1. Use the routes the authorities name. Shortcuts may be closed or unsafe.
2. Keep the fuel tank at least half full at all times, so you can leave without queuing.
3. Drive slowly and stay off the phone. Traffic will be heavy and people stressed.
4. Keep your family together. Children should carry a card with their name, your phone number and the meeting point.
5. Stay away from fallen power lines, damaged bridges and flooded roads. Do not drive through water.
6. Register at the reception or evacuation centre so family can find you.

If you leave on foot or by public transport, travel with others where possible and keep your bag close.

If you are separated

1. Go to the agreed meeting point.
2. Contact your out-of-town person. Everyone reports to them, so they can connect the family.
3. Leave a message at the evacuation centre.

Crossing a border

If you may need to leave the country, check in advance which documents you and your children need. Keep passports valid. Follow official instructions on border crossings, as rules can change quickly.

Prepare in advance

1. Pack a go-bag for each person and keep it by the door. Use our 72-hour go-bag checklist.
2. Fill in a family emergency plan with meeting points and contacts.
3. Choose two ways out of your town and one place to stay with friends or family outside it.
4. Scan or photograph your documents and store copies safely.
5. Learn where your nearest evacuation assembly points are. Your local authority publishes them.
6. Plan for those who need help: older relatives, people with disabilities, pets.

Always follow your local authorities. They decide when and where to evacuate.